Lice
Lice are small, wingless insects that live on the human scalp, feeding on tiny amounts of blood. There are three types of lice that affect humans. Body lice that live on clothing and bedding, but move to the skin to feed. Pubic lice that are usually found in the genital area. We’ll focus on head lice which are the most common in children and live on the scalp and neck.
Head lice are about the size of a sesame seed and range from tan to grayish-white in color. They lay eggs, known as nits, which are tiny and cling firmly to the hair shafts.
How Do Lice Spread?
Lice crawl. The most common way they spread is through direct head-to-head contact. This can happen easily in places where children interact closely, such as:
- Schools
- Playgrounds
- Sleepovers
- Daycare centers
- Shared hats, helmets, combs, or pillows
It's important to note that having lice is not a sign of poor hygiene. Lice can infest anyone’s hair, regardless of how clean it is.
Symptoms
Here are some common signs to watch out for:
- Persistent itching, especially behind the ears or at the nape of the neck. This is caused by an allergic reaction to lice bites.
- Some children may feel a tickling sensation as the lice move through their hair.
- Constant scratching can lead to open sores or scabs on the scalp. In some cases, these sores can become infected.
- You may see small white nits attached to your child’s hair or tiny lice moving on the scalp. Nits are often easier to spot because they’re stationary, unlike the quick-moving adult lice.
How to Check for Lice
Here’s how to inspect their scalp carefully:
- Use a bright light or magnifying glass.
- Separate the hair into sections and look closely at the scalp and hair shafts.
- Pay extra attention to the areas behind the ears and the nape of the neck where lice are often found.
Nits can resemble dandruff but are more firmly attached to the hair shaft and won’t come off easily when brushed.
Treatment Options
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most commonly used treatments:
Over-the-Counter (OTC) shampoos and lotions specifically designed to kill lice contain insecticides like permethrin or pyrethrin, which are safe for children when used as directed.
- Apply the product according to the instructions on the package, making sure to cover the scalp and all of the hair. Most products require a second application 7–10 days later to kill any newly hatched lice.
- OTC treatments are often effective but may not work as well if lice have developed resistance. Always check the effectiveness by re-inspecting the hair a week after treatment.
Prescription Treatments
Healthcare providers may recommend prescription treatments containing stronger ingredients like malathion or ivermectin, which are more effective in treating resistant lice.
- Follow the instructions provided by the healthcare provider. Some prescription treatments may require a single application, while others need follow-up treatments.
Manual Removal with a Nit Comb
Even with chemical treatments, it’s important to manually remove lice and nits using a fine-toothed nit comb. This can be a tedious process but ensures all lice and eggs are removed.
- After applying lice treatment, comb through wet or damp hair, section by section, starting from the scalp and working your way down to the ends of the hair.
- You may need to repeat the process daily for several days.
Home Remedies
Some parents opt for natural remedies such as olive oil, coconut oil, or mayonnaise, which are believed to suffocate the lice. While these may help in some cases, they’re not always as effective as medical treatments.
Prevention
Here are some tips to reduce the chances of an infestation:
- Encourage children to avoid activities that involve head-to-head contact with others.
- Teach your child not to share hats, helmets, combs, or other items that touch the hair.
- If you know there’s an outbreak at school, regularly check your child’s hair for lice or nits.
- If someone in the household has lice, wash all bedding, clothing, and hair accessories in hot water and dry them on a high heat setting.
When to See a Doctor
In most cases, lice can be managed at home with OTC treatments and manual removal. However, if the infestation persists despite treatment, or if your child develops sores that become infected, it’s important to see a healthcare provider.
This article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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